Buried Battles & Veterans' Voices

Captain Henry Barker

Henry Barker of 1^st Battalion, the Queen's Royal Regiment, recalls how he came to join the army in the 1930s despite being under age.

In-Pensioner John Kershaw, late Sergeant

John Kershaw of 1^st Battalion, the Queen's Royal Regiment, recalls how confusing a lamb for a horse led to his joining the Queen's.

Major Toby Taylor

Toby Taylor of 1^st Battalion, the East Surrey Regiment, recalls the qualities a prospective officer was expected to have between the wars.

Sergeant Cliff Martin

How Cliff Martin, of 2^nd Battalion, the East Surrey Regiment, was persuaded the East Surreys were the regiment for him.

Sergeant Sydney Bowbrick

Sydney Bowbrick of 1/5^th Battalion, the Queen's Royal Regiment, tries to avoid conscription by joining the Territorials with World War II looming.

Sergeant Jim Jeffery

Jim Jeffery, of 2/5^th Battalion, the Queen's Royal Regiment, recalls offending the locals as a young recruit in Guildford before World War II.

Company Sergeant Major Charles Sharp

Charles Sharp of 1^st Battalion, the Queen's Royal Regiment, recalls his journey to India and his disgruntlement at becoming a Queen's man.

Private Stan Blay

Stan Blay, of 2/6^th and 2/7^th Battalions, the Queen's Royal Regiment recalls a lucky encounter after his call up in 1942.

Private Roy Harding

Roy Harding of 1^st Battalion, the Queen's Royal Regiment, and the Royal Fusiliers, remembers being knocked into shape as a national serviceman after World War II.

Private Cyril Dwight

Cyril Dwight of 1^st Battalion, the Queen's Royal Regiment, recalls how the pay of a national serviceman persuaded him to join up.

Private Eric Reeves

Eric Reeves recalls how he came to join the Queen's as a Territorial before World War II despite falling short of the height qualification.

Private George Crook

George Crook, 1^st Battalion, The East Surrey Regiment, remembers his call up for national service and how his choice of destination came to nothing.